The bar is still quiet with only a few other patrons at the tables. I have the bar to myself. The hotel only has a handful of rooms. Meeting someone for the first time requires a quieter atmosphere if we can’t go to Solace.
Tonight brings an enjoyable unfamiliarity. I have no expectations, no pressure after our drink. I have no scene to map out, or care to be given. I am free of responsibilities, but I can’t escape the thought I am missing something, like I’d arrived with a scarf and put it down and forgotten it.
“Wow, you look… yeah, hi.” Aiden startles me for a moment with his sudden appearance and incoherent sentence.
“Thank you,” I accept the compliment and smile. It is fun to know I can keep his attention.
“What can I get you to drink?”
“A glass of pinot noir, please.”
Aiden nods and turns to the barman. “A large pinot noir and a bottle of craft beer.”
“Coming up.”
“Do you want to grab a seat or are you happy here?” Aiden nods at a table toward the back of the bar.
It’s certainly more intimate than the open bar. “Sure.”
Aiden’s dimple makes an appearance at my decision. We take our drinks, and he lets me lead the way to a table. I sit down on the brushed suede chairs.
“How are you feeling after today? Did you go back and see Agatha?” Aiden asks before tipping his beer to his lips.
“She was asleep, so I left.”
“Don’t be surprised if she doesn’t remember anything about what she said to you. That’s always the hardest part.”
I nod and get comfortable. I appreciate Aiden had been it, but although I thought I wanted this companionship due to our shared experience, talking about it outside of The Pines makes me feel uncomfortable. The reality that I don’t know Aiden startles me, and I feel the need to rectify my lack of knowledge.
“Would you mind if we didn’t talk about my mum just yet?”
“Of course.” Aiden nods in understanding. “So, do you live in Bath?”
“Yes, about twenty minutes from the centre.”
“I’d have thought you’d live in the centre of town. Perhaps one of those new apartments on the water.” Aiden’s description is interesting. My little cottage may be a shock to him.
“No. I’m happy where I am.” I’m curious about Aiden’s tastes. “What about you?”
“My flat is out of town. It’s convenient to get to The Pines and isn’t the fortune I can image the apartments are closer to the centre.”
“Have you always lived in Bath?”
“Since I moved in with my grandparents when I was four.”
“Did you have to sell the house when Peter moved into The Pines?” The cost of mum’s care isn’t a problem at the moment, but it could be in years to come.
“No. I couldn’t do that. I moved out before Gran died but couldn’t bring myself to move back without either of them there. It didn’t seem right. I have too many good memories. Letting the place go isn’t an option.”
I think back to my childhood in my parent’s home and can understand his reasoning. “I understand. I wouldn’t feel right selling mum’s house.”
“Gran used to love to cook. She’d make pie from the apples in the garden. When I was little, I’d climb the branches to reach the ripest, most succulent apples. The tree’s still in the garden.”
There’s a whimsical lilt to Aiden’s voice which relaxes me. I could listen to his deep, soulful voice all night.
“Sometimes I forget how much I miss her.” He lifts his bottle and takes several large mouthfuls as if he’s swallowing his emotions.
I sip my wine and study him. “I used to play with a music box that was hidden in my mum’s wardrobe. It had a lacquered top, and an old ballerina would spin as I opened it. She kept all her jewellery in the box, and I’d try on her diamond rings and necklaces. It must be years since I’ve gone looking for it.” My easy recollection of a childhood memory surprises me but brings a smile to my lips. Talking to Aiden is as natural as sliding between the sheets after a busy day.
His cobalt blue eyes warm to my words.
“Sounds like we both have fond memories we don’t want to give up.”
I keep my eyes on Aiden, intrigued at his reaction. “Honestly, I don’t share my private life. I’m shocked I gave up that memory so easily.” My head falls to one side, draping my shoulder in a blanket of loose curls, all the while keeping my eyes locked on Aiden. Lust has burned away the hope I’d first seen in them, but I can tell he wouldn’t make the first move. He is holding back. Anxious. Looking for something from me.
His jaw is tense beneath his scruff, and his shoulders look to be carved in stone. His reaction to us pleases me more than I’d like to admit.
My fingers fiddle with the stem of my wine glass as my mind plots. If this scenario were playing out in Solace, I’d be in total control. I’d set the pace, negotiate, and be comfortable with my role. Here, with Aiden, my usual centre is off balance. Ironic, that a simple drink with a friend is enough to throw me.
Aiden looks away toward the bar and takes the opportunity to finish another few draws of his beer.
“Are you driving?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
“Better make the next one a soft drink then.” I raise my brow in suggestion and smile.
Three glasses of wine and several soft drinks for Aiden, and it is getting late.
“I thought you drove? Wasn’t that your car in the car park?”
“I did drive, but I have a room here if needed.”
“Oh, really?” Aiden’s eyes light up like he just won the lottery.
“Easy, tiger. I have a connection to the hotel, so it’s no bother to ensure a room when I come for a drink.” I didn’t want to tell him that I own a share in the hotel. Despite talking for over an hour, the subject of employment hasn’t come up.
“And here I was going to offer you a ride home.”
“Thank you, but I’ll pass. Maybe next time.”
“I’d like that.” Aiden’s smile is honest and heartfelt. There is something inherently genuine about him that I haven’t seen or felt in a long time. The more we talk, the more I want to prolong our evening. Our conversation held no sub-text. I didn’t need to look out for reactions that may affect a later scene. What I did observe were stolen glances at my lips and chest and the lust simmering behind the warmth of his eyes. He would have seen a similar reaction in me. It’s stupid to deny how much I want this man.
“Well, it’s getting late, will you let me walk you to your room?” If the boy wants to be gallant, who am I to stand in his way?
“Sure.” I swig the last half inch of wine and grab my bag. I lead Aiden out of the bar and into the lobby area of the hotel.
Elizabeth is at the desk and spots me. She hands me one of the old-fashioned keys with the number ten stamped onto a silver disk.
“Thank you, Elizabeth.” I take the key and head up the stairs to my room.
Aiden’s presence behind me is tangible. I didn’t want to exploit the chemistry that is between us. I’ve enjoyed a simple drink with him more than I’d thought.
I stop outside of my room. “So, this is me. Thank you for the drinks.”
“Believe me, it’s been a pleasure. Will I see you at The Pines tomorrow?”
“I’ll be there in the morning. With any luck, Mum will be there, too.”
“I’m sure she will be.” Aiden brushes my chin with his hand, lifting it a fraction so I can look straight into his eyes.
My impulses fire, and my hand brushes up his chest and wraps behind his neck, pulling him to me. Our bodies are flush together, and my lips find his. I kiss him softly, setting the pace. My lips mould against his, as a riot of sparks fly down my spine. Aiden doesn’t rush and is happy for me to lead. Just how I like it. I run my tongue along his bottom lip and pick up the sweet taste from his coke. Time stands still as we get lost in each other. Every single nerve ending fires through
my body. I would have guessed our first kiss would be full of fire and passion. Both simmer under the surface, waiting to be set loose, and I know that if I let go of the reins, just a little, we’ll get caught up in a wildfire. Instead, we’re patient and unhurried, and it’s sexy as hell. His hands are fixed to my waist as if he’ll be too tempted to explore further if he moves them an inch.
My hand locks behind his head, and I run my nails through his hair. His deep rumble of appreciation is the amber warning I need to slow things down. I step back and immediately miss the contact. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t meant to happen.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’ve wanted to kiss you since I saw you at the bar.” His grin is shy, like he didn’t want to admit that to me. We both stand, awkwardly, outside my room. “I’m going to say goodnight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Good night.” I let Aiden go because I know if I don’t, I’ll be pulling him inside my room which would be a bad decision on multiple levels. I watch him walk away and give myself a mental round of applause for letting him go.
The kiss lingers on my lips for far longer than I like. I close the door behind me and turn on the standard lamp in the corner. The room is a small and cosy double, with some unique accents. Each room has them, and they distinguish the rooms apart. I toss my bag onto the bed and kick off my heels before peeling my legs free of their leather confines.
I check my phone and see a missed call from Andrew and a text from Sarah. It’s just past 11:30 p.m. Not too late to return the call if they’d been at Solace. I fire a quick message to Andrew and wait for him to call if he’s still awake.
My phone begins to buzz almost instantly.
“Andrew, what can I do for you this late in the evening?”
“Sorry for the intrusion. I was hoping to have a conversation about Sarah. I have some concerns about her attachment to you. She seems… reluctant to let herself even consider another permanent partner.”
“I see.” This wasn’t what I was hoping for. “Sarah and I may have played for over a year, but we were never exclusive. She understood my position, and I encouraged her to seek others. Have you asked her to talk?”
“Yes. I’m afraid she feels like you are still in the picture and that you’ll come back to Solace and to her. Has she tried to contact you?”
“Yes, she’s texted me a handful of times. Mostly to ask how I am. I haven’t read the message she sent earlier.”
“Well, I’d appreciate if you could clear the air with her. We have chemistry. But I’m not prepared to work at something if she’s interested in someone else. You know my deal.”
“Of course. And, this is part of the reason I wanted you two to get together. I know she seemed happy when I left you both the other night. I’m not able to give Sarah the level of commitment I believe she wants. I’ll let you know once I’ve spoken with her.”
“I appreciate it. Good night.”
I end the call and flick to the message from Sarah.
Solace isn’t the same without you. Let me know when you’re coming back. Love Sarah.
I ponder the multiple responses I could give, but settle for waiting until the morning. Nothing good could come from a late-night conversation when I needed to be crystal clear with Sarah. I must leave her with no doubt as to our position. Or lack of one.
I strip the rest of my clothes and slide under the crisp sheets.
My phone vibrates on the side table before I turn out the light. I pick it up and see a text from Aiden.
I may have swiped your number while you were in the bathroom. Thank you for this evening. And the kiss. I would say I’ll bring the coffee tomorrow, but I know you’ll already have that covered. Aiden
I can’t help but smile.
The rules between us are different. I would never allow one of my past submissives or anyone in general to sneak a look at my phone. He would already know never to risk touching my belongings without permission. Yet, here I am smiling at Aiden. The feeling is novel. I didn’t have to be concerned with punishment or discipline. Or take responsibility for his actions. He isn’t mine, and so I have no right to punish him. I may enjoy letting the fantasy play out in my mind, but I can’t act on it. He can do as he chooses because we aren’t together.
It certainly didn’t stop me lusting after him. The kiss we shared was something special. And he let me control it. Nothing turns me off faster than a guy trying to rush the kissing part. It’s the first touch of intimacy and should be savoured instead of skipped over.
I turn on to my side to try and get comfy, but my body is wide awake. Aiden has woken up my libido as well as opening my eyes.
My hand curves over my hip and slides across my thigh. I roll on my back and let my fingers travel to the apex of my thighs. It would be shallow, but I’ll be able to give myself the release my body craves. My middle finger brushes my clit, already puffy and needy for attention. I rub and circle, teasing myself before I settle into a gentle stroking rhythm that will trigger my climax in a matter of minutes.
I close my eyes and see Aiden, staring at me with hooded eyes. His boyish charm replaced with a darker, dirtier look. My pulse hums and my legs spread in wanting.
I dip my finger inside my pussy wanting to find some relief from the ache at my core. I finger myself until I’m hot, and sweat coats my bare skin. The tension is tight in my muscles, and a wave of intensity laps up my spine. The pad of my finger works on my clit until all the sparks in my body fire, and my orgasm shoots through me, causing my back to arch in bliss.
My body comes back down from its natural high, and I stretch out my legs and arms. Sleep engulfs me, and I succumb.
Like most mornings, I’m awake by six. My coffee is ordered, and my emails are checked. Being awake at the crack of dawn is one thing. Getting out of bed and functioning like an adult is different. But I couldn’t laze the day away in a hotel room. Especially if I’m alone.
I force my body up and attempt stretching my tired limbs. I never want to do anything before getting a cup of coffee and spending a quiet twenty minutes to myself. Some people go for a run, swim, or make breakfast. I enjoy my coffee before anything else.
A knock at the door signals room service. I wrap the bathrobe hanging in the bathroom around me and answer.
“Your order, Ms Devlin.”
“Thank you.” I take the tall cup from the tray, the nutty aroma already having the desired effect and taking me to my calm place.
I curl into the grey plaid chair and take the first sip. Hot, rich, and familiar.
For the next twenty minutes, I sit and drink my coffee. I refuse to let my mind focus on anything else. Once the caffeine hits my system, I’ll be set for the day and ready to have that conversation with Sarah.
I scroll through my phone and call her. It is still early, but I take the chance she won’t answer.
“Hi, Miss Natasha.” Her perky greeting makes me reconsider what Andrew had said last night.
“Morning, Sarah.”
“It’s great you called actually. I’ve been thinking about us…”
“Sorry, Sarah, I need to step in. I thought I’d made it clear when we last spoke. We aren’t a couple. You clearly need more from a partner than I’m willing to give. If Andrew isn’t a Dom you want to pursue, then fine, but we aren’t an option. Especially after how you walked away when I challenged you.”
The line’s quiet. Sarah won’t reply without knowing she’s free to do so. “Sarah, you’re free to talk. I’m not your Dominant any longer. Do you have anything to say in response?”
“Master Andrew is very nice.”
“I’m glad you see it that way.”
“But I’d rather still be your submissive.”
“But that isn’t an option any longer.”
Another long pause.
“Sarah, I’m not doing this to hurt you. I’m doing this because I care and want you to be with someone who’s right for you.”
“You are right for me.”
&nbs
p; “No. I’m not. You need to see that. I’ve been trying to get you to see that for a while. And I don’t respond well to manipulation.”
“I can’t change your mind? I’ve been able to make you do all sorts of things in the past,” she brags.
“Sarah, I might not be your Domme anymore, but I’m very disappointed in your behaviour. I can assure you, at no point have you changed my mind about what I’ve done during a scene. Think carefully about your behaviour and your choices. Andrew is an experienced Dom whose needs match well to yours. But I can’t force you to play with him. But be careful.”
“Fine.” She huffs.
Her attitude has me reconsidering if I should be championing her to Andrew at all.
“Will you be coming back to Solace?”
I can hear an edge of desperation in her voice. The last thing I want is to hurt Sarah, but I can’t give her false hope. “Yes, I will. But I don’t know when. But Sarah, please understand that I won’t be your Domme. I need you to understand that. Even if I come back tomorrow, this will still be the situation.”
Sarah hangs up.
“Shit.”
I call Andrew and fill him in. It’s been weeks since I’ve been at Solace. Plenty of time for the two of them to form a bond. Clearly I’d gotten things very wrong with Sarah.
“Hi, Andrew.”
“Natasha. First, late night calls, now early morning. What can I do for you?”
“I’ve just finished a call with Sarah. You were right. She’s still harbouring hopes of us getting back together in some capacity. I’m sorry.”
“Please, I know this wasn’t your intention.”
“I’ve explained things as clearly as possible. I fear she isn’t very happy though. And I need to let you know that some of her behaviour and her attitude has me concerned.”
“Oh?”
“She might have followed me outside of Solace.”
“Might have?”
“She said all I do is go to work and Solace and I’m always home alone. She wouldn’t know that unless she’d followed me.”
Finally More: The Evermore Series Book 5 Page 6
